Hollies 287 



HOLLIES 



Ilex. This large genus of some one hundred and seventy-five species 

 of world-wide distribution, and a large number of varieties, furnishes 

 small trees and shrubs, of much ornamental value by virtue of their 

 foliage, which in several species is evergreen, spiny, and unique, and 

 by their delicate, white flowers, and their bright berry which hangs 

 throughout the winter. Their great shade-endurance and their slow 

 growth fit them especially for under-planting; indeed, the evergreen 

 species thrive best in the shade. They do not transplant easily when 

 old, having a deep-going root. They are free from insects, but some- 

 what liable to frost, and "burn" badly. Since these are dioecious, i.e., 

 male and female on different plants, and since the berries are their 

 great attraction, care must be taken to select female trees. They 

 are well adapted to grouping with other evergreen and leather- 

 leaf foliage, and where dignity, yet not overmuch formality, is 

 desired. 



I. opaca Ait. (212), the native, evergreen Holly of the Middle and 

 Southern States, is hardy to half hardy north into Canada, a small tree 

 of oval outline, flowering in June, and much used for its red berries as 

 a Christmas green. It thrives best in deep rich soils and in the shade, 

 although growing also in dry, barren situations, but not in wet and 

 compact soils. It is not easily transplanted, and in exposed position 

 its leaves become brown and shabby ("bum"). When transplanting, 

 the leaves should be removed and the tree cut back. 



I. aquifolium Linn. (213), the English {European) Holly, is less 

 hardy, thriving in New England, although only in well-protected places, 

 but is superior to the former because of its larger, darker, thicker, more 

 wavy and bristly, glossier foliage, and greater abundance of red ber- 

 ries. To increase its hardiness, it is grafted on roots of the American 

 holly. It prunes well and makes a first-class hedge. 



The very striking, golden -leaved, silver-edged, mottled, and many 

 other showy varieties are tender. 



The two Japanese species, of the eleven native there, have hardly yet 

 come into use, but are of great promise, namely: 



I. latifolia Thunb. (214), a larger tree, with much larger (up to seven- 

 inch) leaves, with red berries, said to be most beautiful; 



/. crenata Thuno. (215), with much smaller (one-inch), finer leaves 

 and black berries, is a gem, and more easily transplanted; mostly in 



